John Gielda

On August 1, 2018, John Ronald Gielda went to be with his Lord. 'Ronnie/Ron' had retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation. He also drove truck cross-country for a few years. And in his free time he worked with a local Michigan fireworks company. Ron started his life in Bay City Mich. moved to Grand Rapids and will finally rest in Ellsworth.

On September 30, 2006, he married Susan (Thorp) Manturuk and they had eleven adventurous and loving years together. For the past two years Ron had difficulty walking so Susan pushed him in a wheelchair, never leaving him out of activities. She got him to participate in two plays in Florida, and although this was way out of his comfort zone he would do anything for her. He was the love of her life and she was the love of his.

He attended the First Methodist Church in Hobe Sound in Florida and the Ellsworth Wesleyan Church the rest of the year.

Ron is survived by his wife Susan Gielda; children Jacqueline Achenbach (Mike), Kenneth Gielda (Kerri), Holly Coons (Forrest), Heather Gielda; three step-sons, Tim, Eric and Chris Manturuk; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandson; two brothers Duane Gielda, Robert (Sue) Gielda and step-sister Sherry Prince. He leaves behind many family members and friends that will always remember his sense of humor and loving kindness. His memory will last forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Josephine Gielda, step-father Eugene Prince, wife of 39 years Sally Ann (Morse) Gielda and daughter Jennifer Gielda.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Ellsworth Wesleyan Church with the Rev. Chris Wallace officiating.

The Fourth of July Fireworks Show in Boyne City, Michigan in 2019 will be dedicated to Ron who for the past 25 years designed or shot the show.

The family was served by Hastings Funeral Home in Ellsworth, online at www.hastingsfuneral.com.